Welcome to the weekly Emirates Woman series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesspeople both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week, we sat down with Maëva Bezzioune, founder and creative director of MAË PARIS to discuss the evolution of her brand. In just five years, MAË PARIS has become a global success and worn by many Hollywood A-listers including Cardi B, Tyra Banks and Bebe Rexha.
Having worked previously as a model, Maëva always wanted to create. With a gentle push from her husband, she was inspired to finally launch her own brand focussed on empowering women through the art of clothing.
Emirates Woman sat down with the designer to delve further into her career history and what’s set to come in 2022.
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What was your favourite subject at school?
I’ve always loved history classes. The fact that it is something timeless has always fascinated me, and it is also a value that can be found in the work of any designer: to create something that crosses generations.
What was your first job?
I was a model, so I’ve always worked in the fashion industry, but on the other side.
What inspired you to go into the fashion industry?
I remember being really young, customizing my own jeans in my bedroom and thinking about seeing other people with it in the streets. I’ve always been passionate about fashion and always had ideas of new things to create.
How did you come to launch your own brand?
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but was been scared of. After I got married, it’s actually my husband who pushed me to do it, to be myself and to do things the way I wanted to. That’s the moment I realized I had to launch MAË PARIS, and it’s the reason why #BEYOURSELF is the brand’s motto.
In terms of fashion and your label – what does this region mean to you?
I like to mix styles, genres and cultures. A lot of my signature pieces are blazers mixed with abayas, and it’s a great opportunity to be able to offer them to such a buoyant and futuristic market.
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What are the key elements of your role?
It’s a 24/7 job, and that’s what I love about it. I’m always looking for new designs, new trends, new ideas. But I think that the main thing to always remember as a Designer/CEO is that you can do mistakes, but you only have to make them once.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I eat breakfast with my children, prepare them and take them to school. I then go down to my gym to do my daily workout, so that I am full of energy to start my day of work. After a long day of work, we meet back at home for a family dinner. We keep talking about work, I honestly can’t stop myself.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Go for it. Always believe in your dreams, your goals, and do everything you can to achieve them. The most important thing is, no matter who tells you what, to always be yourself. Don’t let anyone get in the way of your dreams, and despite all the hardships, never stop.
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What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Never look behind you, go ahead. Every mistake is a lesson that allows you to move forward.”
And what is the worst?
“Don’t take risks.” Life is full of risk-taking, and you’ll never see the payoff if you listen to people who constantly warn you. You have to know how to get out of your comfort zone to evolve. If you are not ready to face failure, you are not ready to enjoy the victory.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
My shop in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Getting a foot in the big leagues is not easy. But once again, I believed in myself, in my brand, in my team. I am extremely proud to have been able to do it. It’s a colossal job, but with the right team, you do the right things.
What are your goals for 2022?
To extend the brand to an international network. This is our biggest challenge for 2022. We are also going to expand our range by offering new types of products.
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